“No. The foundation sent it over. It’s from a group that’s researching the cancer my mom had.” Lottie swallowed hard, tears glistening in her eyes. “He made a donation to them in my name as our wedding present.”
Dammit. She didn’t want to know that. It was so much easier to convince herself she didn’t want him anywhere near her or her baby if he was a bad guy.
He’s still a bad guy. Doing something sweet for Lottie on her wedding day doesn’t erase the harm he’s done.
“Anyway, you didn’t come here to talk about Killian,” Lottie said, interrupting Aria’s runaway train of thought. “Tell me about your thing.”
I actually did come here to talk about Killian, now that you mention it.
Definitely not the way to start that conversation.
Ugh.
Breaking off another piece of muffin, Aria cleared her throat. “I need to tell you something, but I need you to promise that it stays between the two of us for now.”
“Of course.”
“I’m serious, Lottie. You can’t tell anyone, especially my dad.”
Again, worry twisted her friend’s expression. “Ari… you’re starting to freak me out, babe. What’s going on?”
Nothing to do but to just fucking say it. Dragging air deep into her lungs, she closed her eyes and forced the words past the sudden tightness in her throat. “I’m pregnant.”
Silence fell, so utter and complete, a pin dropping would have sounded like a bomb going off.
And then a loud squeal rent the silence in two and Lottie launched herself at Aria, wrapping her in a hug so tight Aria couldn’t drag air into her lungs. “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! You’re gonna be a mommy! This is the best news!”
“What?”
When she pulled back, Lottie’s face was split into a smile so wide, Aria wondered how it didn’t actually split her face open. “You’re gonna be such a fun momma. And I’ve kinda been having baby fever, with Silver’s little bean on the way, but Braden and I decided we don’t really want more kids so like, this is perfect! Oh, wait.” Lottie’s nose crinkled. “I am not going to be called Grandma. I’m not even thirty. We’ll need to think of a much more fun name for me.”
“Lottie… slow down. You’re making my head spin.”
“Sorry.” Her smile turned sheepish. “Sorry, I got carried away. How are you feeling about this?”
“Terrified.” Letting out a shaky laugh, Aria ran a hand through her hair. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, Lottie. I’m supposed to start law school in the fall, but I can’t do that if I’m eight months pregnant or I’ve just had a baby or wherever the fuck I’ll be when school starts. My mom is going to lose her fucking mind and Dad…”
“Oh, honey. Come here.” Without waiting for Aria to respond, Lottie pulled her close, once more wrapping her up in a tight hug while Aria tried to fight back yet another wave of tears.
After a long, somewhat strained silence, Lottie asked, “Aria… do you want me to be stepmom Lottie or friend Lottie right now?”
“I dunno. What’s the difference?”
“Stepmom Lottie knows there are things she shouldn’t say about your parents. Friend Lottie gives no fucks and will tell you exactly what she’s thinking right now.”
“Then friend Lottie, definitely.”
“Okay, then. I know your mom has very strong opinions about how you should and shouldn’t live your life. But at some point, you have to start living your life for you. And if she or your dad have a problem with that, then fuck them.”
Pulling away, Aria giggled as she swiped at her tears. “I dare you to say that to my dad’s face.”
“I will.” Chin tilted, Lottie did her best to look brave, but Aria could see the hint of worry in her eyes. “I’m not scared of Braden Elliott.”
“Maybe not, but I’ve seen what he keeps in that cabinet in his office at the club.”
Red flooded her friend’s face. “Okay, well, maybe I’m a little afraid of those damn canes, but still. I would absolutely tell him to fuck off if I thought he needed to hear it, even if I wouldn’t be sitting comfortably for a while afterward.”
The truth of it rang in Lottie’s words and affection welled in Aria’s chest. “Thanks. That actually means a lot.”
